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Bachelor of Science with Honours (S4E)

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2027 Course information is now available. View 2027 course information

Overview (2026)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2, Spring
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

“I’ve had incredible support here,” she says. “Doing Honours has shown me just how rewarding research can be, and how much I want to stay in this field.”

Caitlin Silberberg

Take your academic journey further with an Honours degree.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is a prestigious one-year course designed for students who have demonstrated academic excellence and wish to deepen their understanding of a specific scientific discipline. Building upon the foundational knowledge gained during the three-year Bachelor of Science, this optional fourth year offers an immersive experience in advanced scientific study and independent research.

Students undertake a substantial research project under the guidance of expert academics, gaining firsthand experience in scientific inquiry, experimental design, and data analysis. The programme fosters critical thinking, creativity, and resilience, while equipping students with the skills required to tackle complex scientific problems.

Through a combination of coursework and research, students develop expertise in:

  • independent investigation and scientific methodology,
  • critical analysis and interpretation of data,
  • problem-solving and innovation,
  • designing and conducting experiments,
  • effective written and oral communication,
  • ethical research practices and professional conduct.

Graduates of the Honours programme are well-prepared for entry into competitive job markets, and are ideally positioned to pursue postgraduate study, including research degrees such as a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Honours year is not only a pathway to further academic achievement, but also a transformative experience that cultivates the skills and confidence needed to become a leader in the scientific community.

Whether you're aiming to boost your employability, develop specialised analytical skills, or pave the way to a PhD, an Honours degree offers a powerful platform to elevate your academic and professional future.

Postgraduate study

In addition to the above, if you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Specifically the Master of Chemistry and Economic Geology postgraduate courses.

  • 1 Select and apply practical and theoretical techniques to conduct an independent and ethical scientific research project
  • 2 Design, implement and critically evaluate a scientific investigation to address a research question
  • 3 Communicate scientific ideas and research findings to informed professional audiences, both orally and in a written thesis

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities.

Career outcomes

As an Honours graduate, you will be highly competitive for professional careers in your area of specialisation. Depending on your area of research, you may find career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Whether your goal is to enhance your career prospects, develop specialised analytical expertise, or lay the groundwork for doctoral study, an Honours degree provides a dynamic and rewarding platform to advance both your academic and professional journey.

Careers include:

  • Academic and teaching
  • Laboratory technician
  • Life Scientist
  • Researcher
  • Data analyst
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Mathematician
  • Science communicator or journalist
  • Animal research scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Physicist
  • Agricultural scientist

Course structure

Each candidate will conduct research and write a thesis. In addition, candidates maybe required to study and pass one or more advanced level units and undertake other activities which may include the preparation of literature reviews, essays and grant applications and the presentation of seminars.

Each specialisation has a set of core units that must be enrolled in to complete the research project, and some specialisations allow the student to enrol in elective coursework units.  We strongly advise that you plan your enrolment in consultation with your Honours Co-ordinator.

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent with prerequisites in the specialisation of study. Admission is subject to appropriate supervision being available. Graduates from other universities with prerequisites acceptable to the College may be accepted as candidates for the Bachelor of Science with Honours degree.

 

Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer. Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.

English Language Requirements  

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent with prerequisites in the specialisation of study. Admission is subject to appropriate supervision being available.  Graduates from other universities with prerequisites acceptable to the College may be accepted as candidates for the Bachelor of Science with Honours degree.

Articulation from:  Students can articulate into the BSc (Hons) from the BSc offered at UTAS.

Articulation to:  Students can articulate into a PhD or MSc.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,312.00

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2025. All figures are indicative only for 2026. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2026 annual international student tuition fee: $42,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 42,950 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Course year 2026

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

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